Like every year, AK and ÖGB invited to the New Year's reception at the Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU. Ambassador Thomas Oberreiter, Head of the Permanent Representation, welcomed the guests and pointed out that Austria had been a member of the European Union for 30 years. The Permanent Representation of Austria, which also houses the social partners under its umbrella, has been in existence for just as long.

Right-wing forces threaten women's rights
This year's New Year's reception was dedicated to pay transparency and women's policy in general. The highlight of the evening was a talk between AK President Renate Anderl and ÖGB Vice-President Korinna Schumann, moderated by journalist Doris Vettermann.

Anderl traces backsliding in women's policy, which in recent years has not had the status it deserves in Austria. Anderl: "At European level, too, right-wing forces are pushing back women's already hard-won rights."

Schumann added that in the multiple crises of recent years, crisis management had been important, and that women's rights had unfortunately become a secondary aspect. Schumann: “In Austria, I see the great danger that a reactionary image of women will become socially acceptable again if, for example, some political parties give preference to childcare at home rather than childcare facilities.”

New pay transparency – women deserve a fair income
Anderl takes a positive view of the European Union's role in women's policy. She cited as examples EU directives on pay transparency, equality and women on boards. Anderl: “The question is how this will be implemented in Austria. The EU puts a lot of energy into good solutions for people, but implementation in Austria then falters, for example on the Barcelona targets for childcare and the Pay Transparency Directive.”

In the last EU legislative period, the Pay Transparency Directive was adopted to reduce the pay gap between women and men. Austria is one of the lowest performers in the EU comparison. In Austria, women earn around 18% less per hour than their male counterparts. Anderl: "The Pay Transparency Directive is very important for women, so that they can negotiate fair incomes for themselves. I doubt, however, that implementation will take place at the necessary pace.”

Schumann added that the large pay gap in Austria was worrying, which continued into the pension. Schumann: "Many factors contribute to this, above all companies that only offer part-time work and a lack of child education facilities. The Pay Transparency Directive could be a lever to bring about justice, but it should not be pay transparency “light”, but one that enables the closing of income gaps and prevents women’s poverty in old age.”

Further information
AK EUROPA: Photo Gallery New Year´s Reception 2025
AK Wien: Presseaussendung Neujahrsempfang 2025 (German only)
AK EUROPA: Equal pay day. Here we are again
AK Wien: Lohntransparenz neu – Damit Frauen nicht mehr durch die Finge schauen (German only)
ETUC: Bosses claim pay transparency is “regulatory burden”
AK EUROPA: "Women on Boards" directive – success at last after a 10-year blockade
AK Wien: Anderl zu Kinderbetreuung: Wo sind die Lösungen? (German only)
EIGE: Gender Equality Index 2024 - Austria
AK Wien: Frauen.Management.Report.2024 (German only)